Topic 7: Mastering patient education Patients who lack an understanding of their health information experience negative health outcomes. Health professionals play a critical role in ensuring patients and their families have an accurate understanding of their disease, treatment and side effects and are supported to independently access appropriate information materials safely. This section of the site contains a comprehensive range of topics relevant to Patient Education for Health Professionals. It can feel even more overwhelming when a clinician is prescribing medications with names patients have never heard of and possibly for significant health reasons. Patient education is a planned learning experience using a combination of methods. When nurses incorporate patient education into the patient's plan of care, they can improve their teaching effectiveness and increase the likelihood of optimal patient outcomes. Patient education is a significant part of a nurse's job. Keep in mind that no resource is a substitute for one-on-one patient teaching. Patient Education. The benefits of patient education include: Prevention of medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes or heart disease. When patients are involved in their care, they are more likely to engage in interventions that may increase their chances for positive outcomes. Healthcare can be an overwhelming topic for patients. On top of this, some patients may be intimidated by clinicians. Before implementing any patient education techniques, clinicians must assess a patient’s current knowledge level. Background. The DENTRIX Presenter is a powerful communication and presentation tool that helps you demonstrate treatment plan options and treatment information to your patients. For example, it may be hard to find materials on new treatments in certain languages or on sensitive topics. Patient education is the process by which health professionals provide specific and detailed educational activities and information to patients, carers and family members so they can actively participate in their healthcare and any treatment they may be receiving [1-3].. 1 Many excellent resources describe tools and techniques nurses can use in patient education. Tips to improve patient education. These topics include information on Alcohol Guidelines, Breastfeeding, Communicable Diseases, Foodborne Diseases, Hepatiitis, HIV/AIDS, Immunisation, Palliative Care, Tobacco, Nutrition and Continence. Creating Custom Patient Education Topics in the Presenter. Education empowers patients to improve their health status. In some cases, it may not be possible to get the right materials for your patients' needs. Nurse health educators must recognize that many patients are lacking in their inability to understand health care information and what they need to do with that information. Patient education needs to be comprehensive and easily understood.